A Stroll Through the Arboretum at Penn State

I had the opportunity to speak to landscape contracting students at Penn State this past week about starting my business and working in New York City. The differences between working in the country and city are many. While visiting campus, we were able to partake in the tradition of enjoying the creamery and also had a chance to walk through the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens at the Arboretum at Penn State.

The first phase of the Arboretum was completed in 2009 and includes a demonstration Garden, event lawn and overlook pavilion. The fragrance and rose garden is partially completed but is not currently open to walk through. The next phase is construction of the children’s garden which will include a conservatory, education center, Medieval garden, orchard and much more. The plans look amazing and I can’t wait to see it come to fruition.

A Water Garden Surprisingly Still Lush and Full in October

There is plenty to see in the botanic garden this time of season. The original plantings are starting to grow in nicely. Fall color is in full swing now and the Viburnum ‘Winterthur’ stood out with brilliant red leaves and showy blue berries. The gardeners had fun decorating with pumpkins and gourds throughout the garden and there was an entire area planted with festive Chrysanthemums and Kale mixed in with Gomphrena and Salvia still hanging on to their late summer blooms. If you are in State College or plan to go to a football game, take 30 minutes to enjoy the garden and you won’t regret it.